A sustainable space

Our world-leading research, addressing the climate and ecological crises, informs the changes we’re making here at UCL as we hope to inspire climate and sustainability action across the world.

We are making change possible

Sustainability is at the heart of how we operate and the university is leading by example*. UCL’s award-winning sustainable campus is already powered by 100% renewable electricity and we send no waste to landfill, but our longer-term vision is much more ambitious. 

As a student at UCL, you will have the opportunity to join one of our many sustainability societies, get growing on campus on our student-led allotment, or sign up to be a Sustainability Ambassador.

*Named 1st in the UK, QS Sustainability Rankings 2025

Our net zero carbon goals

By 2024, all our buildings will be net zero carbon and free from single-use plastics; we will have 10,000m2 more biodiverse green space. Our goal is to be a net zero carbon institution by 2030.

Through our teaching programmes, we pass on our knowledge of sustainable best-practice to our students, to ensure that they become sustainability advocates to benefit the wider world.

We are transforming UCL

UCL student centre front entrance.

UCL Student Centre

One of the greenest, most sustainable buildings in the UK, UCL Student Centre is bathed in natural daylight, equipped with solar panels and benefits from reduced water consumption and a green roof to reduce its carbon footprint.

Architects render of UCL East Marshgate front entrance.

UCL East

UCL East has been designed with sustainability at its core: turning rubble into skateboard ramps, rainwater harvesting, low energy lighting and highly efficient mechanical ventilation, we have worked to minimise the carbon footprint of our new campus.